The Oklahoma Regulations Governing the Sale of Wine and Beer Amendment, also known as State Question 792, was on the November 8, 2016 ballot in Oklahoma. The SQ 792 supported completely changing the laws governing alcohol sales and distribution in the state, allowing grocery stores and convenience stores the ability to sell full-strength beer and wine. The SQ 792 was approved and will go into effect starting October 1, 2018.
Currently, the Oklahoma law allows beverages containing less than 3.2% ethanol by weight or 4% alcohol by volume to only be sold in licensed liquor stores at room temperature. Grocery stores and convenience stores are able to sell low-point beer at refrigerated temperatures. However, with the passing of SQ 792, any establishment with an alcohol license will be allowed to sell full-strength beer and refrigerated wine.
Being able to sell refrigerated alcohol beverages is the key change for many retailers in Oklahoma. Several of these retail locations have already started preparing for the changes that will go into effect this fall. Liquor stores are adding refrigerated storage, merchandising coolers and beer caves to their retail locations. Convenience stores that were only able to sell certain alcohol at cold temperatures, can now add to their display coolers. Retailers that have not started to prepare for these changes will need to act fast.
Although U.S. Cooler does not sell direct to merchants, we can help in the design and planning stages for additional cold storage space. Whether additional merchandising coolers or a Brew Cave is needed, U.S. Cooler can help retailers create the cold storage merchandising space required for this change.
ABOUT:
U.S. Cooler manufactures walk-in coolers and freezers supported with a complete line of engineered refrigeration systems, glass doors, parts and accessories. To learn more about U.S. Cooler, visit www.uscooler.com.
